Baku and Hanoi forge strategic ties A new chapter in bilateral relations

On May 7 and 8, 2025, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, To Lam, paid a state visit to Baku. This was the first visit of a Vietnamese leader of such a high level since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During the visit, a number of memoranda and agreements were signed in the fields of energy, defence, justice, digital development, culture, science, archival affairs, and entrepreneurship. Special attention was given to cooperation between SOCAR and Vietnamese energy companies.

The most significant event was the signing of a Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the head of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. The signed documents reflect Baku and Hanoi's commitment to deepening bilateral ties on a systematic and long-term basis, opening a new chapter in their relations.

As part of the visit, the heads of state made statements to the press. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev noted:

"Among the documents signed today, I would like to specifically mention the Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and Vietnam. This is a very serious political document. In fact, it is a document that will elevate Azerbaijan-Vietnam relations to a higher level. I am convinced that these high-level relations will play a very important role in our bilateral cooperation in the future."

General Secretary To Lam confirmed Hanoi's interest in deepening contacts at all levels, proposing to enhance cooperation in the areas of security, cybercrime, education, tourism, and in international formats, including the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Both sides noted their common positions on key international issues: supporting the principles of international law, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Vietnam became the second East Asian country, after China, with which Azerbaijan established strategic relations, demonstrating Baku's balanced foreign policy and its special focus on the Asian direction.

Vietnam is a unique country that, while not abandoning the socialist path of development, has successfully implemented market reforms, showing rapid economic growth and aspiring to the status of a new Asian tiger.

Azerbaijan and Vietnam share long-standing relations, and the time has come to breathe new life into their development in the face of new global challenges.

President Ilham Aliyev and General Secretary To Lam have already taken an important step in this direction.